Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
SIBU: The ‘OSH in School’ programme of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) is geared towards making school a safe place for study and work.
Niosh chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said this is because safety is not just about safety of students from crime, drug abuse and other social problems.
“That is why under the ‘OSH in School’ programme – you really have to look at the school building structure. If a structure is unsafe – not only students will be affected, but also teachers.
“Although school is a place to teach, it is at the same time, a workplace for teachers, support staff and students. Niosh is doing the safety campaign now to create awareness among teachers and students,” he said yesterday.
Lee added: “If at all, they (schools) want our help – they can get in touch with Niosh offices in Sarawak. We are doing this as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) to enlighten schools about the importance of OSH in school.”
He made the comment following a recent Borneo Post’s article, which reported that nine students of a secondary school in Piasau Jaya were rushed to Miri Hospital after a concrete walkway outside the school collapsed.
It is understood that the incident happened when the students were on the walkway waiting to be picked up after the afternoon session.
Two students injured their legs while seven others suffered light injuries.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting had gone to the school after learning about the incident, while the Public Works Department (JKR) and Miri City Council had been notified about the collapse of a 10-metre section of the 70 metre-long walkway at the school.
Lee said he was uncertain if the structure was part of school.
But if it is part of the school then, it comes under safety audit (aspect), he remarked.
Adding on, he highlighted that all schools especially those over 20 years old should be subject to safety audit to ensure all parts are safe.
“All places frequented by students need to be subject to regular safety audit to ensure the structure is safe.
“That is why ‘OSH in school’ (programme) – the concept must be made known to schools and that they (schools) need to do their part to ensure the safety (of both students and teachers),” he stressed.